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Part 5

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I never thought I would be here of all places; a guild house. Or more specifically, the guild that all the noob trios, Alviss, Miranda and Sophia belonged to.

“Welcome to Ambrosia, Ghost!” Sophia led me inside a nice double story mansion that looked like a medieval European castle, located in the residential area at Aessirun where it was the only place that allows guilds or players to buy homes. It was impressive indeed since I never been inside one my whole life. Like a deer lost in the city, I was giving that sort of impression which no less bemused the three of them.

“Looks like he too can behave like that. Who knows.” Alviss could help but to chuckle at my expense. Well, he was right. I was not too familiar with this sort of things.

“Ah, forget what Alviss said. You can enjoy this place like your home.” Sophia tried to reassure me that I belonged but I knew better than just to accept an invitation from the guild’s normal members.

“Our Guild Master is a nice guy. Once we told them about you, he insisted that you must be brought here at once.” Sophia was excited as she explained why she brought me here.

“Well, if that was the case, where’s the Guild Master?”

“Are you looking for me?” Suddenly, the main door was opened and out came a good looking man who had seen finer things in life. Tall with curly black hair and trimmed goatee, the glasses that he wore made him somehow looked like he was an aristocrat or something. And his attire was nothing short of impressive.

“Guild Master Eduardo!” The trios were shouting simultaneously when he entered. They were in awe of his presence, something that was lacking when they were with me. Nonetheless, since I was at his place, I could do well to give him some face. I extended my hand for a handshake and he firmly grabbed it. He leaned forward and whispered to me, “Finally, you have reached us, huh Bryan?”

I was speechless. How did he know my real name?

*****

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Part 6

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When the trios left the two of us alone on Guild Master Eduardo’s behest, only then did I know his real identity. I was pleasantly surprised. I never expected that he was within this Kingdom.

“So, was this what you say you don’t play as good as me the first time we met?” Eduardo or his real name Edward Gause could no longer contain his laugh.

“But it’s true, right? But I appreciate you taking care of my children, Bryan. Time has been tough for us recently.”

“I’m not your guild’s caretaker. You take them, you care for them. If you can’t, why even bother?”

“Well, we are expanding faster than I expected. With 6000 members and growing, my time is much limited. Besides, I still have to monitor you. You know that bit right?”

“You mean, stalking and playing God. You should get down on your high horses before you hurt yourself too much. By the way, where’s your brother?”

“With the Royal Army. The next event is coming and our guild is once again drafted. Them boys and girls are getting excited about this.”

“Ohh… whatever. I rather drink piss than getting myself involves in a war.” Ed could not help it but to laugh and shake his head at my silly notion. But I was being serious about it.

“The day after tomorrow is the worldwide maintenance. Once it’s completed, the new event will start. What will you do, Bryan?”

“Ghost. In here, call me Ghost.”

“Alright, what will you do Ghost?”

“Nothing. The event doesn’t interest me. I have better things to do.”

“Like?” He was always interested in whatever I wanted to do. Ever since that time when I entered his office for his help. Couldn’t past a good opportunity to invest, he said.

“None of your business. Watch the recording if you want to.” I was being cold about this. But this did not stop him and the other players from enjoying this upcoming event. “Well, Ed. It is a pleasure to meet you. Excuse me but I have to get back to my playing. Give my regards to them.”

“Sure. But keep the video feed from your NerveGear on at all times, alright?”

“Alright, alright. I had been doing this since the day I started playing. Honestly, I did not know how you could have fun watching other people play. What’s more, a boring player like me.”

Ed chuckled and then nodded. “And one more thing, please if you have some time, help out that girl, Sophia. She had been PK-ed a couple of times now. I know you like to solo and stuffs, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed.” Heh. Said the guy who could mobilize one of his higher level members to help her instead of handing it to me. But, I did want to know who these idiots were anyway. Hurting a girl like Sophia and looting her items.

I wanted to ask him when suddenly his face turned grim as he muttered something under his breath. Seeing him like that was a first to me. However, I did not wait to find out. I made my way out of the guild house towards my next destination; Popo and Mimi’s temporary house. Elly and Rose were there and I wanted to check up on them before I start my new adventure; the Rainbow Bridge Quest.

*****